Moving and packing are both hard enough – but what do you do once you’re all moved into the new place? As you look around at all the boxes, you may feel overwhelmed, like you may never get everything squared away. But if you have a plan and follow through on it methodically, you can ensure the unpacking and moving-in process will go smoothly. From setting up your utilities to unpacking the essentials, here are some tips on what to do right after moving in.
Create a Checklist
Right after you move in, create a checklist of tasks you have to do. Take a tour of your new house, take photos, and familiarize yourself with where everything is. A checklist will ensure your unpacking process goes smoothly, plus it will ensure you don’t forget to do important things like call the utility company or transfer your medical records.
Get Your Utilities Going
If your new home has been vacant for a while, chances are good that at least some of the utilities have been shut off, such as the water, gas or power. That means you’ll have to make some phone calls right before you move in, or right after you move in so you’re not without these essentials for long.
Call the gas provider, power company, and water company to have them turn the utilities back on. If you already have utilities running, call them anyway because you will need to transfer everything into your name.
Unpack the Essential Stuff
Hopefully, you already created an overnight bag for everyone in the family so you don’t have to go digging around boxes looking for your toothbrush, pajamas and a towel for your shower. But you may also want to create another essentials box for rooms or areas of rooms that you need access to first. If you have a home office, you’ll want to unpack those items first so you can set up meetings and check in with work as soon as you move in.
If you love to cook, you may want to concentrate on the kitchen first, unpacking a few pots and pans, utensils and plates. It’s up to you to decide what’s essential and begin your unpacking there.
Check out this detailed unpacking plan that covers everything you need to know about what to do first.
Locate the Fuse Box, Etc.
Know where the important stuff is located, such as the fuse box, propane or oil shutoff, and main water supply shutoff. Knowledge of these areas is a safety issue, so don’t wait till there’s an emergency because you don’t want to scramble trying to learn how and where to shut off the power.
In addition to knowing where those things are, you should also take the time to learn how to shut off the gas, oil, furnace and water heater.
Install a Security System
When moving to a new town, even if it has low crime rates and is relatively safe, there are many unknowns. You don’t know your neighbors yet, and you don’t know the element further into the city. It’s wise to install a security system just to be on the safe side. You’ll feel more comfortable and safe right away so you can sleep well at night or get peace of mind while at work. Choose a system that you can control from your smart phone, and while you’re at it, get a smart thermostat that you can also operate remotely.
Update Your Address
If you haven’t done this already, fill out a change of address form at the post office or online. Once that’s done, contact your local Social Security Office, IRS or the Veterans’ Affairs Office to change your address through them so you are sure to get bills and important documents sent to you in a timely fashion. Find out if your change of address will impact your business registration or tax returns.
Register Your Car/Apply For a New License
You won’t be able to register your car without your new license, so you’ll have to do these two things at the same time. Find out what you need to bring to the DMV to provide proof of identity and residence, as not all states have the same requirements. If you are moving within the same state, you will have to register your car in the new community but not necessarily the license.
Update Your Voter Registration
This is an easy task that you can take care of when registering your vehicle. Ask the clerk if you can have the voter registration paperwork, fill it out and submit it. You can also do this at town hall, or even online in some instances.
Transfer Medical Records
Request your medical records from your previous doctor, and send those records to your new one. Do this for every member of the family. This can take a while, sometimes up to a month, so it’s best to get started on this before you even move.
Transfer Vet Records
You may also need a new vet for your pet if you have traveled a long distance. Request the old records from the previous veterinarian, ask about good new ones in your area, and choose one near you. Have the records sent there so your pet’s records are up to date.
There are many things that have to be done once you move into a new home. Getting you there is our job – so call us when you need experienced movers!
Contact Best Fit Movers
While you may have the post-move tasks covered, we can help with everything that comes before that, from the move itself to the packing. To start off with a free quote, contact us in San Diego at 858-943-3628.
